Kasparas jakucionis is among the most polarized gamers within the 2025 NBA Draft, but when he can put collectively the instruments, he makes it clear that the NBA rise is up.
In each the 2023 and 2024 NBA Drafts, the primary decide was French, becoming a member of Andrea Bargunani in 2006, changing into the second and third European-born decide in league historical past.
Each 2023 and 2024 have been extremely worldwide courses, however because the NCAA modernised and cash grew, worldwide gamers got here to the state in massive numbers earlier than changing into professionals.
Prime 3 predicted picks for 2025 – Kupper Flag, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are all Individuals, however they’ve lots of worldwide expertise. VJ Edgecombe, Khaman Maluach and Egor Demin are a number of the forefront, whereas Guard Kasparas Jakucionis is elevating the draft board.
In a loaded class with expertise from around the globe, Jakucionis could possibly be the primary worldwide participant to name out his identify, nearly definitely a European.
- Age/Date of Delivery: 18 (Could 29, 2006)
- Peak/Weight: 6ft-6, 205lbs
- College: Combating Illinois
- Profession Statistics: 15.0 factors, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.9 metal, 3.7 turnovers, 44.0 FG%, 31.8 3pt%
- NCAA Match Statistics: 14.5 factors, 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 6.0 turnovers, 33.3 FG%, 20.0 3pt%
- Profession Highs: 24 factors (vs. Wisconsin, vs. Minnesota, vs. UCLA vs. UCLA), 13 rebounds (vs. Nebraska), 13 assists (vs. Siu Edwardsville)
- NBA comparability: Larger Kyle Lowry
Jakucionis performs with a really excessive motor, making up for the shortage of athletic skill with the flexibility to go over additional mile. He can move on their finest and is at all times making an attempt to arrange his teammates, so he ought to give him a lift on the subsequent stage.
In school he left lots of what he needed, however within the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket event he shot a bit higher.
As a lead guard, he can dribble site visitors and kick the ball out or throw it in a dunker. He isn’t the most effective to achieve the highest of the rim, however he can end the site visitors and get in contact if crucial.
He isn’t sure, however he can run offensive at a excessive stage and if his assaults are extra balanced, he can grow to be one of many higher gamers within the draft.
Jakucionis is way from excellent prospects. He makes suspicious selections, particularly when passing. If his harmful move converts, he appears to be like like a right-handed manujinobili, however his unimaginable 3.7 turnovers in March’s insanity, a complete of 12 insanity means that he may be slightly rougher than Manu.
On the protection, he isn’t solely accountable, however he’s a bit late. This implies he cannot cease the NBA shifter guard. He additionally wants to unravel one among these points as he isn’t robust sufficient to lift his place and guard ahead.
His exterior fireplace might enhance and maybe enhance, however there isn’t a assure, so that may in all probability be a priority too. Nonetheless, within the case of the ground common and dribble off-scorer, he has a lot of the instruments.
Jakucionis is anticipated to be drafted within the high 10 and will doubtlessly go to the highest 5. Which means a nasty group will take him, however not all circumstances convey out the most effective in him.
He’ll do his finest subsequent to a real scoring guard and a few high-level wings, and like most lead guards, he’ll profit from having a pick-and-roll menace.
With Keente George within the backcourt and wholesome Taylor Hendrix or John Collins, the Utah Jazz matches the invoice. Colin Sexton and Lauri Markanen provide extra advantages.
The Toronto Raptors are additionally excellent. Jakucionis was capable of share ball dealing with duties with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Coystley, permitting Scottie Barnes to grow to be a extra progressive and catch-and-shooting menace. In contrast to Utah, Toronto has sufficient optimistic advocates to make up for its weaknesses.
Followers ought to hope that Jakucionis will take a short time earlier than it will get hit, and even hope that he’ll reveal his true potential. He isn’t a winner like some rookies in his class.
